News

Wrigley renovation plan clears another hurdle

In this May 17, 2013 photo, Crane Kenney, the Chicago Cubs' president of business operations., looks out over Wrigley during batting practice before a Cubs baseball game in Chicago. A battle is heating up between the Cubs and rooftop owners across the street from the ballpark as the team proposes renovations, including a Jumbotron in the bleachers, that would block the views and threaten the business those views have created. Photo: Associated Press/Charles Rex Arbogast

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs’ planned $500 million renovation of Wrigley Field has won the approval of another city commission and the support of the local alderman — all but assuring the project will go forward.

The Chicago Sun-Times reports that the Chicago Plan Commission on Thursday approved the proposal to renovate Wrigley and develop nearby property. The plan includes putting an electronic Jumbotron above the ivy-covered outfield walls of the 99-year-old ballpark.

Alderman Tom Tunney endorsed the plan days after he told the city’s landmarks commission that he didn’t. Tunney said Mayor Rahm Emanuel has assured him there will be no other outfield signs other than the Jumbotron and another large sign for several years.

Approval from the City Council is widely expected because it’s supported by Tunney and Emanuel.